Pastor Gordy s Message. First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield, MN APRIL MARCH 2018 NEWSLETTER

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1 First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield, MN APRIL MARCH 2018 NEWSLETTER Pastor Gordy s Message By Pastor Gordy Pennertz Verse for April Jeremiah 29:11 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Dear Friends, It is Easter. Jesus is Risen! We are reborn! Wonderful words of hope and promise. We celebrate Easter morning. Interestingly, April is on April Fools Day this year. We get the joy of resurrection mixed with the levity of the day. Then we get to extend that a bit as on the 15 th we celebrate again with Holy Humor Sunday, laughing with joy that Jesus wins and the devil loses. Make sure you note the change in time of service that Sunday and invite your friends...even your church-going friends may be able to join us. I have a book on my shelf written for children, but it has wonderful messages for us all. Here is one message: Just before he died, Jesus shouted from the cross, 'It is finished!' What was finished? Jesus was saying: Everything you need to come back home to God, Everything you need to be free and happy in God, Everything you need to live forever; I've done it all! It wasn't a cry of defeat. It was a shout of victory. There is now nothing you can do to make God love you more and nothing you can do to make him love you less. It is finished! And this is why we can laugh in the face of sin and death and sorrow and doubts. Because God in Christ has proclaimed victory. And we have everything we need. Pastor Gordy Upcoming events: April 1: EASTER Sunday! Communion April 7 th : 80 th Birthday celebration for Barbara Bremseth from 2-4 PM. All are welcome! April 8 th : HOLY HUMOR MTG after church April 9 th : PW CT mtg 9 AM SPRING CLEANING from 10- noon or so with lunch provided.4:30 PM CCC mtg. April 10: WINGS 4 PM.Session 7 PM April 11 Food For Kidz packaging at St Philips Church April 15 Holy Humor.Potluck at 11:30 AM and the Holy Humor worship at 1 PM. There is NO service at 10 AM this day. April 17 th : LAMA 8:30 AM April 23: Mary-Martha Bible study at 4 PM PER CAPITA: We thank all you who have made a contribution to cover the per capita payments. We have received $1240 from the congregation so far. We have sent a check in for the full amount of Please consider paying your share if you haven t already. Thank you!

2 THOSE SERVING DURING APRIL LITURGIST: Coffee Hour: 1-Amy Levinski 1-Amy Levinski 8-Ruth Townsend 8-Shirley Brooks 15-Shirley Brooks 15-POTLUCK 22-Kay Hanson 22-Mary Crosbie 29-Judy Holmes 29-Julie Rae Pennertz --Communion Servers: Shirley B., Julie Rae, Roger Crosbie and Judy Holmes USHERS: 1-Waldrons 8-Kay Hanson 15-Dwight Barrick 22-Barbara Bremseth 29-NEED!!! Money Counters: 1-Michael & Arlyce 8-Kay and Jayne 15-Judy & Roger 22-Shirley & Beverly 29-Susan Berg & Rosie BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES: (7) Barbara Bremseth (80!) (7) Bill Barr (8) Bruce & Shirley Good and Philip & Leetha Waldron Anniversaries (9) Katie Pennertz (13) Michael & Rhonda Joldersma and Amy & Wade Viehauser Anniversaries (15) Arlyce Dedrickson (21) David & Katie Pennertz Ann. HOLY HUMOR: April 15 is known as Tax Day in the United States. We are going to celebrate Holy Humor by having a little fun with taxes. Please note, we are having church at 1:00pm that day! This is an attempt to welcome more of the public to join us. Most people who would enjoy this worship are in their own worship services on Sunday morning. So we will not have a 10:00 service that day, but will meet at 11:30 for potluck and then welcome the community in for 1:00 worship. The title this year is IRS-Investing in a Risen Savior. The theme is that we owe a great debt and Jesus has paid it all. Come prepared to laugh and sing and praise the savior who has had the last laugh on sin and death. Deacons serving schedule: If you are in need of a deacon for rides, for help, for notifying someone is in the hospital etc Please contact the deacon of the month: April-Rhonda Joldersma May- David Pennertz June-Julie Rae Pennertz July-Barbara Bremseth August-Beverly Driver September- David Pennertz October- Barbara Bremseth November- Julie Rae December: Rosie Graphenteen Christmas Eve: Julie Rae and all January: Beverly Driver

3 Our Bible verse person of the month is Christa Pennertz Joseph. She has chosen Jeremiah 29:11 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. She said that she chose this because When I first moved away from home I had thought it was just because I wanted to. That I was making a move in my life that was solelymy decision. It turns out though God had something else. He wanted me to work at the zoo, which brought me to Arizona, not Colorado(My own plan). Shortly after I met Jacob and he needed me in his life. Our relationship blossomed into a partnership of marriage and two years later we had Cole bless our lives, and strengthen our bond. I believe in my heart fully with the verse that the plans that come forth will not harm me, but build me up in faith, and I have a future with a loving husband and a baby boy who is ever so much a blessing. (We really got a great son, so smart and handsome) It has also brought me closer to Jacob s family and now we share in a family relationship. Just when I think all is going so well, another surprise will be around the corner, another great plan from God will guide me and our family in the right direction for His good. April Liturgy In April, Pastor Gordy will be focusing on the Epistle readings. If you read ahead, you will note that 1 John is being read for all 6 post-easter Sundays leading to Pentecost. **A side note for scripture geeks. I have often noted my passion for reading three lectionary passages even if I am only preaching on one. I read this in Christian Century, even 'bare reading' of scripture, unaccompanied by proclamation and interpretation is 'a pneumatic (Spirit) encounter.' Scripture changes lives because it is the point of contact between the Creator and the Creators creatures. 1 st : Isaiah 25:6-9 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Mark 16:1-8 8 th : Acts 4: John 1:1-2:2 John 20: th : HOLY HUMOR Romans 13:7 Luke 20: nd : Acts 4: John 3:16-24 John 10: th : Acts 8: John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8

4 Bible Study: Our Weekday Bible Study has been put on hold for the time being. We will be looking for a time when more can gather and Pastor Gordy's arm is better. I would ask every person reading this to consider joining our Bible Study. It is the best way to know more of Jesus and how the Lord works in our world and in our lives. I will be seeking input on times, topics, locations where we can increase the number of us who meet in fellowship and learn. CRIBBAGE FAMILY FUN DAY On Sunday, March 18, the CCC hosted a time of fellowship and fun. We shared a meal and shared a fun time playing in a Cribbage tournament. Thanks to Greg who organized it and to Rosie who made us Bar-B-Ques. Champion crowned was Julie Rae who never lost a match. Runner up was Shirley Brooks who had only 9 points against her! Winning the prize for being skunked (a cribbage term where you lose by 30 or more) was Rosie. Thank you to ALL who helped and came to play! COME AND JOIN US AT WINGS on TUESDAY, April 10 at 4 PM! The kids love to meet new people and have company! ALSO, they are in need of the following items. Please donate to the box at church: Deodorant, tooth brushes and toothpaste, hair picks, socks, underwear, body wash, shampoo/conditioner. THANK YOU! MARY-MARTHA BIBLE STUDY We are continuing our lesson on Esther. Our next study is on Monday, April 23 at 4 PM at church. PLEASE feel free to come and join us. We will be on lesson 7-2 Mary-Martha SERVING: April 23 Shirley Brooks **May 23 Potluck A huge thank you to all who helped make and serve soup and sandwiches during our Lenten Worship services with our Methodist and Episcopal friends. It was another great time of food and fellowship!

5 Come and help us celebrate Barbara Bremseth s 80 th birthday on Saturday, April 7 th, from 2-4 PM here at church. Greetings! While some things are getting settled on overseas missions, we will be hosting another PW missions work day! Please come and join us on Thursday, April 19th from 1-3 PM. If you happen to have a good sharp cloth scissor, PLEASE bring it! All the rest of the materials will be furnished. Blessings in Christ! Julie Rae Pennertz, Missions Coordinator The Deacons are in need of some bud vases. If you have any that you would like to donate, please bring them to church on a Sunday morning. Thank you! PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN CLEANING DAY is on Monday, April 9 from about 10 am-noon. Please come and help clean the kitchens and santuary. This is for ALL church members. LUNCH will be provided! The Lilac Luncheon is scheduled for May 23 rd. The schedule of salads is as follows: Jan-April Fruit May-August Vegetable Sept-Dec Meat Please provide a LARGE salad for each time you serve. Moderator, Rosie Graphenteen New Church We have a new designated strictly for church business. The address is: firstpreslitch@gmail.com. SESSION MINUTES: Session Notes from March 13, 2018 A quorum was established with all elders present except Kay Hanson Lane and Don

6 Mackay with an excused absence. The Treasurer s report was approved with a balance in the undesignated account as of February 28 of $37, and $50, in the designated account. The Pastor s and Clerk s reports were approved along with a medical leave for Pastor Gordy from March 26 to March 28. We then paused the session meeting to meet with Julie who gave us an update and bids for the office copier. In Old Business we reviewed how the Elder and Deacon joint meeting went and if any improvements were needed. For New Business we discussed an option of sending church records to the Historical Society of the PCUSA, but it was tabled until after our 150 th anniversary We approved use of the Memorial Room for the quilter s group to use in April at the same time as the Graphenteen s garage sale. We also approved to have the use of the church for the Pennertz BD party on April 7th. We then discussed the options for the office copier and approved the bid for a new copier with a 3-year lease. A prayer was given by Pastor Gordy before the committee reports. Committee reports: Shirley Brooks reported for Worship/Christian Ed and asked that the Holy Humor service be held at 1pm after the potluck dinner on April 15 th. Judy Holmes agreed to make the communion bread, in honor of Marshall, for the next 2 services. Pastor Gordy, for Kay, reported for Christian Community and would like to get approval for a sexual abuse group led by Amy L. and use church funds for a dunk tank to use at the MAM fundraiser again this year. No report for Buildings and Grounds. Michael Joldersma reported for Stewardship and Personnel that we will take the One Great Hour of Sharing offering on April 1 st on Easter morning. A meeting was held with Judy Holmes as she will be taking over the chair of the finance committee and all information was reviewed. Shirley Brooks reported for PW that they would be providing funds for the PW retreat and asked that the church match the funds. All committee reports were approved and the meeting was adjourned with the blessing. Respectfully submitted, Michael Joldersma The Madsen family is so grateful to our Church family for the prayers and attention. Thank you for all the cards, and gifts to the church. We received a lovely pink begonia that was missing a card and we don't know who to thank. Dottie Madsen Service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on Earth. Muhamid Ali

7 May you have the gladness of Easter, which is HOPE, The promise of Easter, which is PEACE, and the spirit of Easter, which is LOVE. Pastor Gordy and Julie Rae

8 APRIL PRAYER LIST 1-Rev Mark & Nancy Chamberlain 2-CJ Crosbie 3-Dave & Sharon Detert 4-Wendy Haglund 5-Deb Holmes 6-Rick & Carrie Johnson 7-Russ Joldersma 8-Christa, Jacob & Colton Joseph 9-Roger & Roz Landers 10-Heidi, Richard Pennertz Ariel, William, Viola, Rebekah, Conor & Lorelei 11-Wes & Kathy Peters 12-Ty & Sara & Aiden Schneider 13-Truman Stehr-Ann & Lynn Abramson 15-Don & Jayne Ackman 16-Ryan Ackman 17-Dwight Barrick 18-Joel Barrick 19-Susan & Mortie Berg 20-Carol Blunt 21-Heath Bozonie 22-Barbara Bremseth 23-Shirley Brooks 24-Dennis & Melva Burnette 25-Roger & Mary Crosbie, Mariah & Katie 26-Arlyce Dedrickson 27-Beverly Driver 28-Bruce & Shirley Good 29-Church of Our Lady, Mannanah 30-First Presbyterian Church of Foley COMFORT Where do you turn when you find yourself anxious, worried, discouraged, or in pain? There is an endless list of comforters people turn to everything from shopping to hot fudge sundaes. But, GOD is the only comforter who does more than cover up the uncomfortable. God s comfort also heals. Whatever grieves your heart grieves the heart of the One who loves you. Turning your worries into prayers allows God to put His loving arms around you, often in unexpected ways. Whether you find God s comfort in renewed peace of mind, joy in His creation, or companionship from someone God s placed in your life, let God soothe your soul today in ways that comfort food never will. Whenever I am anxious and worried, You comfort me and make me glad. Psalm 94:19 In Christ the heart of the Father is revealed. The higher comfort there cannot be than to rest in the Father s heart. Andrew Murray God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters. Abraham Lincoln Jesus said, Blesses are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 It will greatly comfort you if you can see God s hand in both your losses and your crosses. Chas. Spurgeon

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